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More Blood Pressure Drugs Recalled Over Cancer Concerns

Since July, the FDA has issued numerous recalls for blood pressure drugs because they may cause cancer.

More Blood Pressure Drugs Recalled Over Cancer Concerns
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More medication used to treat high blood pressure has been recalled because of safety concerns.

Pharmaceutical manufacturer Teva issued a nationwide voluntary recall for two kinds of blood pressure drugs because they may cause cancer. 

The recall applies to all lots of Amlodipine / Valsartan combination tablets and Amlodipine / Valsartan / Hydrochlorothiazide combination tablets. Teva says they may contain an impurity that's been classified as a possible human carcinogen. 

The FDA says patients taking these drugs should continue taking them and contact their doctor or pharmacist for advice on alternative treatment. If patients stop taking the drugs immediately without any comparable alternative treatment, the FDA says, they could put their health at greater risk. 

Since July, the FDA has issued at least ten recalls for valsartan and another high-blood pressure medication called Irbesartan because of possible contamination by the same cancer-causing impurity.